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August 2010
8.30.10 — By Tim John
Hello -“Rise and Shine Wisconsin!”
With a headline in the Local section of the August 28 paper, the Journal/Sentinel once again hands the primary election to Tom Barrett. “Candidates for No. 2 tout ability to aid Barrett.” Mr. Nelson boasts Fox Valley support, Mr. Coggs promises minority voters, Mr. Sanders offers appeal to Independents, and Mr. Schneider claims economic experience that will be invaluable. Despite their obvious party line snub, I will willingly work with all 4 as they do have talents valuable to an administration. I run a business and our business is full of people of different ideas and we work together and create a product that we're all proud of at the end of the day. I want to bring the idea to Wisconsin that I talk to anyone, even if he or she doesn’t agree with me.
With Harley-Davidson Inc. confirming a possible move of Milwaukee-area manufacturing to Kansas City and a potential loss of 1700 more jobs in our state, I cringe again at the specter of growing job market problems. I’m a businessman and I see both sides of the issues and understand ploys used to gain concessions. Fear is a terrible thing to use, especially now.
I visit with so many unemployed residents, those good folks facing bankruptcy, facing deep dips into retirement accounts with great penalty, facing moves to new locations or stepping back into some form of education, and facing the depression of what seems a hopeless future. Living in fear destroys the fabric of existence. As esoteric as it may seem, I plan to be a beacon of hope for those in fear. It is my focus, my fabric in the run for office, to correct this deplorable slide of job loss and the accompanying angst. I will not waver – I will use the needle of my leadership and the thread of all the voices I can garner at the table - Republican, Democrat, Independent, Tea Party, unaffiliated citizen – to repair this growing rip in our economy.
I'm going to work with Scott Walker. I want Mr. Neumann's enthusiasm. Republican Scott Paterick is running and Tom Barrett. I want them involved. They will not involve the other people. I will involve all of their ideas, their enthusiasm, and the people who work on their campaigns. Let's bring that whole group together, sit around a table and start talking about things and come up with the best ideas.
To work on reducing unemployment among young Black men, I will bring unemployed black men to the table. I have seen enough pushing them to the side. Too many are incarcerated or have broken families. That's something we've got to do as a state.
Often told I do not present enough issue related perspective as I campaign, I choose to keep my campaign simple, understandable. I will cross all lines and will challenge all those in office, elected or appointed. Accountability. Jobs. Fair treatment for all seeking marriage and its privileges. Farmers rights. Access to health care, especially for the poor and working poor, has long been an issue supported by my family. After the sale of Miller Brewery in the 1970s, the family donated proceeds to support many health care and hospital charities around the world. Providing access to health care for people who need it has been integral to my being. We need to find ways to build in more competition among doctors and hospitals. When I go to the doctor and ask what it’s going to cost, he or she can’t even answer the question because the "doc" doesn't know.
I am certainly looking forward to The Joy Cardin Show on Monday morning (8/30) from 7:00-7:30 AM on NPR. Rise and shine, be ye troll, water nymph, kayaker, kayak-dumper, follower, or curious! It will be a good show. I also have Labor Fest and Fightin’ Bob Fest on the horizon. Plus, as many, many have remarked, with the onset of September, the real campaign begins. Talk to families, friends – make new acquaintances and garner support. Most of all, get up, get out, and vote on the 14th, a vote for change and a vote for open dialogue that creates accountability and genuine results.
My website, www.timjohnforgovernor.com, has a link to media. The various articles and commentary from a variety of sources are quickly available for reading as we gain momentum for the 14th. www.youtube.com/timjohnforgovernor offers the light side of Tim John – I don’t take myself too seriously, but I hold my goals, my passions, and my efforts to become governor very close to my heart. Be I underdog, snowball, unknown, snubbed, or businessman running for governor, I am ever positive and without the necessary overshoes in the land of mudslinging. I only need them on the occasion of visiting farms during barn-cleaning as I talk about our great Dairy State.
Looking forward to the next sunrise and a better tomorrow, I am Tim John.
8.26.10 — By Tim John
Hello, from the “snowball” that won’t quit!
Eugene Kane finally got around to writing, “in his opinion”, about my campaign in the Journal/Sentinel August 24, 2010(In My Opinion. “Candidate’s tenacity is, uh…interesting”). He refers to me in his mind’s eye as “the candidate who doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning”. He said my campaign has been “charitably” described as a “nominal challenge” to Barrett, the man with name recognition, political background, and (left unstated) a lot of cash.
He also focused on my main issue, Black male unemployment and my tenacity in chasing that issue throughout my entire effort. Groundswell or not in the Black community, the issue must remain at the forefront if Wisconsin is to address, in real time, the unemployment in our state. We cannot afford to wait 20 years for resolution. In the areas I have visited, some folks have been waiting a lifetime, others generations.
Dan Bell also had an interesting “Community columnist” piece in the Wednesday August 25, 2010 paper (Community columnist. “Words of advice from Vince”). He really hits the nail hard in quoting the great Lombardi in an imagined response to the stagnancy of our legislature due to political lines. “Teams do not go physically flat; they go mentally stale.” Truly a marvelous way of putting the situation of party politics grid locking our state! We have lost Lombardi’s concept of commitment, “…commitment to a group effort, that….makes a team, a company, a society, a civilization work.”
And I totally agree that whoever becomes the next governor, that person must be a leadership in “…sacrifice; it is self-denial. It is in love and loyalty. It is in fearlessness. It is in humility, and it is in perfectly disciplined will.” The governor must give up him or herself to the needs of a larger Wisconsin, not a political party. The Governor must lead and challenge, not follow.
You know, snowballs can be pretty interesting. They tend to get rolling and definitely tend to grow as they flow. I sincerely believe I speak for many, many citizens of Wisconsin and those citizens believe I will carry their concerns and ideas into leadership in action, not leadership stymied by party lines. Those supporters will come forward and vote in September.
The flakes filtering about the various communities, farms, companies, industries, suburbs, and cities – those beautifully shaped concerns about the ailments facing Wisconsin and wonderfully formed ideas of how to right the wrong – are not going to be brushed away like political dandruff. They continue to thicken, continue to build into a steady, sculpted drift of unity against the status quo. From that unity of concern I take great comfort and hope for a better tomorrow because that kind of voice has been silent for far too long, brushed aside for too long.
I hear that voice. Viewing my website you will know that I consistently adhere to that calling. View my videos at www.youtube.com/timjohnforgovernor and you will see the positivism, the humor, the sincerity, and the force I will bring to the governorship of this great dairy state. Let us come together and keep pushing this snowball until it squelches those fires that try to melt it.
I will soon be at the Labor Fest in Racine and at the Fightin' Bob Fest in the near future.
Kind of fun being a snowball! Rolling forward to the primary, I am Tim John.
8.24.10 — By Tim John
Press Release
Tim John for Governor
David Smith, PR Director
dave@timjohnforgovernor.com
414 698 3429 States across the nation often come to “defining moments” for the citizens and the local and state governments. Wisconsin has arrived at one of those crossroads. With many crucial issues facing aggressive public scrutiny and with a growing voice calling for action and change, Tim John, Democratic candidate for governor, sees daunting challenges and, hopefully, a relentless accountability on the table of the next state government. Statistics show a slight dip in unemployment, seemingly good news, but skewed by job hunters dropping out of the labor force and no longer counted as “officially unemployed.” The numbers are still unacceptably-intolerably- high, according to John, in the inner city and in the Black community in general. Besides the September primary and the November election, Wisconsinites face another very serious decision, one not in their hands. Harley-Davidson will determine this fall whether or not to pull its plants out of the state and thus eliminate several thousand jobs. “People in our state are getting help with mortgage modifications,” said John, “and perhaps that has slowed the foreclosure rate. But, its jobs that ultimately stems the tide. Wisconsin needs leadership that creates ways to attract business, manufacturing, and professional services.” A Milwaukee businessman, John believes he has the experience necessary to generate ideas and programs that ultimately address the unemployment issue. “It’s a task that demands full and open discussion between members of both parties with the focus on jobs and employment, not party lines and party-speak that ties up any hope of moving forward with good suggestions, be they Republican or Democrat.” Accountability will be the watch-word of a John governorship. He plans to audit programs and address directly those that do not show success. “We cannot spend ourselves out of debt. Stimulus money comes from people’s pockets and really, frugality and close attention are the only way to get control of budget issues. Any tax ideas should be brought to the people for vote.” Continuing to be unnoticed in most media and continuing to be shunned by the state Democratic Party, John has gained momentum in Milwaukee areas hard hit by unemployment, particularly in the Black and Hispanic communities. “Their job issues go much farther back than this economic time of difficulty. These men and women have been ignored for years – some for lifetimes. It must end….” Challenged on how he will, as a political novice, lead the state, the candidate cited several activities. He has approached timber workers and their union leadership for ideas, for direction. He has been in the barns with owners of small and large dairy farms and learned first hand what needs to be done to make Wisconsin synonymous with “The Dairy State.” In meeting hundreds of folks at the various fests in Milwaukee, he believes he came closer to the voice of the electorate and what the citizenry faces on a daily basis. “What I do best is recognize my own shortcomings and make sure I have people around me who have strength in those areas. I also have never stopped being educated, never stopped being a pupil learning what this state offers and what this state needs. I travel in my old car, on foot, in my kayak for first hand experience. I would be a fool to say ‘I can do it.’ Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Tea Party – we can do it if we work together. Without the ‘we’, nothing will get accomplished in timely fashion. My goal is to put the peoples’ voice and the ‘we’ back into Wisconsin government.” Message Approved by Tim John
Tim John for Governor
David Smith, PR Director
dave@timjohnforgovernor.com
414 698 3429 States across the nation often come to “defining moments” for the citizens and the local and state governments. Wisconsin has arrived at one of those crossroads. With many crucial issues facing aggressive public scrutiny and with a growing voice calling for action and change, Tim John, Democratic candidate for governor, sees daunting challenges and, hopefully, a relentless accountability on the table of the next state government. Statistics show a slight dip in unemployment, seemingly good news, but skewed by job hunters dropping out of the labor force and no longer counted as “officially unemployed.” The numbers are still unacceptably-intolerably- high, according to John, in the inner city and in the Black community in general. Besides the September primary and the November election, Wisconsinites face another very serious decision, one not in their hands. Harley-Davidson will determine this fall whether or not to pull its plants out of the state and thus eliminate several thousand jobs. “People in our state are getting help with mortgage modifications,” said John, “and perhaps that has slowed the foreclosure rate. But, its jobs that ultimately stems the tide. Wisconsin needs leadership that creates ways to attract business, manufacturing, and professional services.” A Milwaukee businessman, John believes he has the experience necessary to generate ideas and programs that ultimately address the unemployment issue. “It’s a task that demands full and open discussion between members of both parties with the focus on jobs and employment, not party lines and party-speak that ties up any hope of moving forward with good suggestions, be they Republican or Democrat.” Accountability will be the watch-word of a John governorship. He plans to audit programs and address directly those that do not show success. “We cannot spend ourselves out of debt. Stimulus money comes from people’s pockets and really, frugality and close attention are the only way to get control of budget issues. Any tax ideas should be brought to the people for vote.” Continuing to be unnoticed in most media and continuing to be shunned by the state Democratic Party, John has gained momentum in Milwaukee areas hard hit by unemployment, particularly in the Black and Hispanic communities. “Their job issues go much farther back than this economic time of difficulty. These men and women have been ignored for years – some for lifetimes. It must end….” Challenged on how he will, as a political novice, lead the state, the candidate cited several activities. He has approached timber workers and their union leadership for ideas, for direction. He has been in the barns with owners of small and large dairy farms and learned first hand what needs to be done to make Wisconsin synonymous with “The Dairy State.” In meeting hundreds of folks at the various fests in Milwaukee, he believes he came closer to the voice of the electorate and what the citizenry faces on a daily basis. “What I do best is recognize my own shortcomings and make sure I have people around me who have strength in those areas. I also have never stopped being educated, never stopped being a pupil learning what this state offers and what this state needs. I travel in my old car, on foot, in my kayak for first hand experience. I would be a fool to say ‘I can do it.’ Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Tea Party – we can do it if we work together. Without the ‘we’, nothing will get accomplished in timely fashion. My goal is to put the peoples’ voice and the ‘we’ back into Wisconsin government.” Message Approved by Tim John
8.20.10 — By Tim John
Wisconsinites, Join Me for Change!
While passing into the last half of August, we move into the final run to the primary and I remain steadfast in positivism that our voice will carry the day come September. The "other candidates" who run with big money don't seem to get the message being sent by the citizens of our great Dairy State. The call for real, honest-to-goodness change could not get much louder and I hear that unified voice.
When a poll shows 51% disapproval of our Democratic President, the message of change echoes from the background. When arguments abound over the pending rail line, the cry for more discourse and a deeper look at the ultimate costs beyond the initial funding must be heeded. When projections show a "boon" year in crops for our farmers due to favorable weather conditions that allowed early planting and consistent growth, we must not allow that statistic to gloss over the real issues of dairy farming. Good news of some jobs returning to Wisconsin does not generate electricity among the ranks of the black males still unemployed and still with little hope on the horizon.
Many of us received the presidential email regarding many of our troops coming home this month and in the months ahead. This means an increase in women and men needing jobs or returning to jobs and perhaps bumping someone else out. Is Wisconsin ready for a true welcome home with the joy of safe return, the hugs of loved ones, and the country's thanks for a job well done coinciding with a prepared plan for a return to work? Or do these warriors stand in unemployment lines?
In recent newsletters the serious side of our campaign has emerged. We miss the chats with water nymphs and trolls, miss the kayak and the all too customary chilled dip in the rivers; however, I have not stopped my grassroots trips all around the state. From Bayfield to Neillsville, from Stevens Point to a hometown interview in Oconomowoc, I continue to meet and listen to the voices calling for change. Each of you must now commit to getting to the polls on September 14th. The media mostly denies me - the party denies me. Together we must overcome the stagnancy of big money and its mire in the muck of "same old, same old." I will not resort to mudslinging - I will need all my competitors in this election to help me implement the changes I most surely will bring to our government. Together, we can fashion a better way. Arm in arm, we can move forward - frugally and with long overdue attention to accountability.
Learn about the heritage I can offer this state and laugh with me as I present ideas without rancor towards any other candidate. I am, as ever, upbeat and positive, but do not mistake the smiles and silliness for lack of purpose and focus.
Here are some important upcoming events:
Wednesday August 25 5:30-8:30 p.m. campaign fundraiser - Dino's Taverna, 777 N. Jefferson Street, Milwaukee
Monday August 30, 7:00-7:30 AM, WI Public Radio, (Joy Cardin Show)
Tuesday August 31 Noon-1:00 p.m., Marquette University Law School Brown Bag Lunch with law students, EK Room 255
Thursday September 2 5:30-8:30 p.m. campaign fundraiser - David Barnett Gallery, 1024 E. State Street, Milwaukee
Saturday September 11 - Fighting Bob Fest - Sauk County Fairgrounds, Baraboo, Visit the Tim John for Governor table.
Finally, the day comes - you have gone to the website, visited the videos, met and spoken with me. You MUST get out and vote, vote for change through Tim John. I will put Wisconsin back on track with my Beacon of Hope.
Never quietly,
8.17.10 — By Tim John
Press Release
Tim John for Governor
David Smith, PR Director
dave@timjohnforgovernor.com
414 698 3429 Wisconsin Wants Change Heard daily, the phrase “Wisconsin Wants Change” rings as President Obama’s popularity slips to the lower 40% range according to recent polls and Governor Doyle drops into the 30% range. Tom Barrett trails republican candidates by up to 14% in some surveys. Tim John wants to be the instrument of change. “The other Democratic candidate for Governor”, Tim John plans to audit all programs and eliminate those not working and "draining funds into a useless abyss." He professes that he will promote and work for voter approval of tax increases. He has spoken to and intends to continue to work with representatives of unions hard hit by unemployment to address the issue jobs and will work with representatives of the dairy industry to resolve issues on that front. "Viable projects must be pursued to end the unconscionable unemployment rates among Black males." His response to the question of what he will do for individuals or businesses is consistent. "Government must be taken out of the citizens’ pockets and out of the driver’s seat in people’s lives. Big government is not the answer – massive debt and tax increases will not put the brakes on this difficult economic time. The concept of spending our way out of debt is all wrong." A resident of Oconomowoc and a businessman in Milwaukee who "understands what needs to be done to survive and succeed in rough times," Tim John believes he is "ready to lead Wisconsin back into the black in budget and back into the forefront as a state that is people and industry friendly." He questions how Wisconsonites could elect leadership tied to the staggering job loss statistics in their state. "The issues that face Wisconsin, from the tilled fields of mid-state farms, across the timberlands of the North, and in the industries and factories across the state cannot be addressed by politics. Party lines cannot stand if Wisconsin is to move forward. The real “other candidates” stand on party ‘-ism’s’ and hard-line resistance to ideas that do not come from within their own party. They campaign with big money and are tied to the morass of inactivity prevalent in our state’s government." Responding to how he can get such a massive set of issues away from square one, John resplied, "I know the value of discourse with those of different philosophy and the great gains that can be made when differing viewpoints merge into compromise and cooperation towards a focused goal. It takes work, blue-collar, long days and nights work. I want the people's line, not a Democrat or Republican line. I have a fresh and vital energy and an open ear, have a hand ready to reach across any aisle to act on moving Wisconsin forward." Message Approved by Tim John
Tim John for Governor
David Smith, PR Director
dave@timjohnforgovernor.com
414 698 3429 Wisconsin Wants Change Heard daily, the phrase “Wisconsin Wants Change” rings as President Obama’s popularity slips to the lower 40% range according to recent polls and Governor Doyle drops into the 30% range. Tom Barrett trails republican candidates by up to 14% in some surveys. Tim John wants to be the instrument of change. “The other Democratic candidate for Governor”, Tim John plans to audit all programs and eliminate those not working and "draining funds into a useless abyss." He professes that he will promote and work for voter approval of tax increases. He has spoken to and intends to continue to work with representatives of unions hard hit by unemployment to address the issue jobs and will work with representatives of the dairy industry to resolve issues on that front. "Viable projects must be pursued to end the unconscionable unemployment rates among Black males." His response to the question of what he will do for individuals or businesses is consistent. "Government must be taken out of the citizens’ pockets and out of the driver’s seat in people’s lives. Big government is not the answer – massive debt and tax increases will not put the brakes on this difficult economic time. The concept of spending our way out of debt is all wrong." A resident of Oconomowoc and a businessman in Milwaukee who "understands what needs to be done to survive and succeed in rough times," Tim John believes he is "ready to lead Wisconsin back into the black in budget and back into the forefront as a state that is people and industry friendly." He questions how Wisconsonites could elect leadership tied to the staggering job loss statistics in their state. "The issues that face Wisconsin, from the tilled fields of mid-state farms, across the timberlands of the North, and in the industries and factories across the state cannot be addressed by politics. Party lines cannot stand if Wisconsin is to move forward. The real “other candidates” stand on party ‘-ism’s’ and hard-line resistance to ideas that do not come from within their own party. They campaign with big money and are tied to the morass of inactivity prevalent in our state’s government." Responding to how he can get such a massive set of issues away from square one, John resplied, "I know the value of discourse with those of different philosophy and the great gains that can be made when differing viewpoints merge into compromise and cooperation towards a focused goal. It takes work, blue-collar, long days and nights work. I want the people's line, not a Democrat or Republican line. I have a fresh and vital energy and an open ear, have a hand ready to reach across any aisle to act on moving Wisconsin forward." Message Approved by Tim John
8.11.10 — By Tim John
Press Release
Tim John for Governor
David Smith, PR Director
dave@timjohnforgovernor.com
414 698 3429 Tim John Addresses Education With the 2014 deadline set by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandates, Tim John, Democratic candidate for Governor, has several thoughts about Wisconsin’s educational issues. NCLB states that all students in every school must be proficient in reading and math by 2014, including students with special needs, students whose native language is not English, students who are homeless and lacking in any advantage and students who have every advantage but are not interested in their schoolwork. Agreeing with Diane Ravitch whose article “Stop the Madness” appeared in the August/September 2010 NEATODAY magazine, John believes the 100% compliance places thousands of schools at risk of privatization, closing, or being turned into charters. “Losing schools is just wrong.” Attending Prairie Hill Waldorf School near Pewaukee, John’s children enjoy education presented as it should be. “Waldorf schools define, as Ravitch indicates, what good education is. It is much more than reading, writing, and math. Schools must consider decision-making, thought processes, justice and fair play, and developing responsible citizens. We live in a science and math time, but that’s not all that’s out there.” Test driven curriculums developed to meet 2014 deadlines have narrowed school’s abilities to address the fine arts and offer electives that round out a student’s education – denies exploration of culture and heritage. NCLB opened eyes and created thought, but fails the students if test results remain the end-all assessment of successful or unsuccessful schools. “Again, Ravitch says it best,” notes John. “We seem to be training, not educating and students are being turned off by test prep and test taking.” Education improvement cannot truly start with state or federal government mandates. Schools must take stock – parents, teachers, support staff, students, and administration must jointly review, establish goals with firm resolve, and act with a viable set of evaluation criteria for ongoing audit of success and failure. “It’s not about multiple choice and ‘making your mark dark’ in a box or circle. It’s about learning and experience through the school years how to develop a sense of self, of independence, and of making life a mark of satisfaction.” Message Approved by Tim John
Tim John for Governor
David Smith, PR Director
dave@timjohnforgovernor.com
414 698 3429 Tim John Addresses Education With the 2014 deadline set by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandates, Tim John, Democratic candidate for Governor, has several thoughts about Wisconsin’s educational issues. NCLB states that all students in every school must be proficient in reading and math by 2014, including students with special needs, students whose native language is not English, students who are homeless and lacking in any advantage and students who have every advantage but are not interested in their schoolwork. Agreeing with Diane Ravitch whose article “Stop the Madness” appeared in the August/September 2010 NEATODAY magazine, John believes the 100% compliance places thousands of schools at risk of privatization, closing, or being turned into charters. “Losing schools is just wrong.” Attending Prairie Hill Waldorf School near Pewaukee, John’s children enjoy education presented as it should be. “Waldorf schools define, as Ravitch indicates, what good education is. It is much more than reading, writing, and math. Schools must consider decision-making, thought processes, justice and fair play, and developing responsible citizens. We live in a science and math time, but that’s not all that’s out there.” Test driven curriculums developed to meet 2014 deadlines have narrowed school’s abilities to address the fine arts and offer electives that round out a student’s education – denies exploration of culture and heritage. NCLB opened eyes and created thought, but fails the students if test results remain the end-all assessment of successful or unsuccessful schools. “Again, Ravitch says it best,” notes John. “We seem to be training, not educating and students are being turned off by test prep and test taking.” Education improvement cannot truly start with state or federal government mandates. Schools must take stock – parents, teachers, support staff, students, and administration must jointly review, establish goals with firm resolve, and act with a viable set of evaluation criteria for ongoing audit of success and failure. “It’s not about multiple choice and ‘making your mark dark’ in a box or circle. It’s about learning and experience through the school years how to develop a sense of self, of independence, and of making life a mark of satisfaction.” Message Approved by Tim John
8.08.10 — By Tim John
Calling All Wisconsin Voters,
The ups and downs of campaigning for governor are many –
beautiful new faces who respond positively versus trying to create publicity without much money;
learning how precious Wisconsin is everywhere I travel versus discovering the small mindedness of the Democratic and Republican party elites;
fighting for what is right versus understanding that I have much to learn;
looking deep into my boiling tank of vigor versus seeing how race still divides us;
bringing thousands of new people into the political process versus hearing the occasional “What can you do for me?”
While my complaints are many, they don't matter. What matters is where we go from here? How can we reach out to people with whom we have little in common, saying, “Come on, let's fix this problem together.” What do we accomplish when we only speak to people like us? Can Republicans and Democrats swallow our pride and work towards the common good?
The Republican governor candidates are debating, though without the third Republican Scott Paterick, while we Democrats aren't debating at all.
Tom Barrett let's debate! Let's lay the important issues on the table and make this state the best in the land!
Mr. Barrett, I humbly await your response.
Never quietly,
Tim John
9.14.10
Partisan Primary September 14th, 2010
11.02.10
General Election November 2nd, 2010
